When we go online to make a purchase or go to a store live and in person, are we buying exactly what we need and want to purchase, or are we sold to and then we buy?
Recently at a workshop for people seeking to enhance their career, or to find a job, the audience was asked if anyone was in sales. Only one or two in the room of thirty raised their hands. Then they were asked how this is possible. Aren’t you selling the most important product in your life? Yourself? They were told (understand this now) “You are all in sales!”
The process of selling is going on all around each of us all day long, every single day.
These two examples are looking at this from two different viewpoints. You may agree or not at your own risk. Just recognize that you are always being sold to and in your life you are selling something every day as well.
Maybe you are still not convinced? Why were companies willing to spend over three million dollars for a thirty second ad during the Super Bowl broadcast this year?
In order to move forward let’s agree that selling is important to the growth and success of your business. How much time each day do you spend selling? Please understand the question, not networking, not typing into social media. The question is how much time each day do you spend selling?
Many entrepreneurs and small business owners are spending a huge amount of their time on social media or creating a new website. This is not to say this is a valuable item to spend time on or not. It is to say that these activities are not the act of selling. The act of selling is actually engaging in the conversation to close a deal, or through a cash register, or online merchant account, actually ringing up the transaction. Certainly there is a sales process which precedes this final action. How much time do you have scheduled in your day to sell?
A number of people would rather consider the color schemes for their website or the right options for the design of their logo than to undertake the structured sales process necessary to be effective. There is nothing wrong with conducting a sales process. The sooner you develop the style and method which feels most comfortable to you, the sooner you will be on your way to running a successful, thriving business.
Mitch Tublin is an advanced certified personal and executive coach who lives in Stamford,CT.
Right on!
Rich,
Cannot think of anyone who knows and understands this than you.
Awesome advice Mitch – if you’re not selling then you’re not in business!
There is nothing wrong with having a higher purpose and wanting to give back to the world. The best way to do that is to make money in your business first.
I agree with Heidi. Actually, you are selling whether you believe you are or not – always making an impression one way or the other.
The act of selling and closing business for money has become lost in the fog for many people who start a new business.
Very true and something to ask yourself everyday.
A defined plan for each week mapped out on Sunday night would be the way to go.
Selling or repelling!
😉
Love, Katherine.
We must connect, sell and close. If this is not happening it is not a business it is a hobby.